Phase II study of interferon-alpha and all-trans retinoic acid in metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Interferon-alpha is an accepted treatment for renal cell carcinoma, with a response rate approximately 14%. Retinoic acid has been claimed to improve such a response rate when combined with interferon. We present the results of a phase II study combining interferon alpha and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Thirty-one patients who were not eligible for a trial of high-dose interleukin-2 treatment (because of low performance status: 7 patients; prior immunotherapy: 11 patients; age > 70: 8 patients, cardiac or respiratory failure: 4 patients; refusal for randomization: 1 patient) were enrolled in this study. Only one partial response was observed (3%). Despite the good tolerance observed with this association, ATRA does not improve the efficacy of interferon in this selected patient population (with poor prognosis). Such a treatment combination should not be further recommended in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Escudier
B
B
Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
Ravaud
A
A
Berton
D
D
Chevreau
C
C
Douillard
J Y
JY
Dietrich
P Y
PY
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000556:secondary; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D012074:Remission Induction; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D016898:Interferon-alpha; D014212:Tretinoin